Composite cookware handle

ABSTRACT

A cookware handle includes a plastic grip portion molded over a portion of an insert. The insert inserts into a bore of a flange. The grip portion is externally flush with the flange interface and the insert internally connects the grip portion to the flange. This allows the grip portion to be over molded on a first part of the insert so the other portion can be welded or otherwise attached to the flange after external surface finishing of the flange. The insert and flange may be welded together along a portion of the insert that contacts the flange within the bore and that is not visible when the flange is attached to a cookware vessel sidewall to provide the grip molded as a handle for the cookware vessel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/433,700, filed Feb. 15, 2017, which claims the benefit of thefiling date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/295,642, filed on Feb. 16, 2016, the contents of bothof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to handles for cookware articles, suchas cookware vessels and lids, and methods of making and attaching thesame.

BACKGROUND

Cookware articles often include handles to allow a user to move andmanipulate the article. Cookware handles are known to employ a metalflange, which attaches to the cookware article, combined with anon-metallic, such as plastic or rubber, grip portion that extends awayfrom the flange and that is intended for a user to grasp. The grip canbe over molded on a portion of the flange that is not intended to bevisible. Such grips are used as it is usually more comfortable andcooler to touch than a bare metal handle and may assist in reducing thehandle weight.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a handle assembly for a cookware article includes a metalflange, an insert, and a grip member. The metal flange may have an innerface and an outer face. The inner face may be adapted for contacting acurved outer wall of a cookware article. A bore may extend from theouter face toward the inner face and define at least a first cavitytherebetween. The insert may have a proximal end and a distal end. Theproximal end may be adapted to be received within the first cavity ofthe bore and secured therein when the proximal end is affixed to theflange within the bore. The grip member may extend between a proximalend and a distal end and comprise a polymeric material over molded atleast a portion of the distal end of the insert. The grip member mayhave an external surface contour at a proximal end that is adapted to beflush with an adjacent portion of the flange when the proximal end ofthe insert is secured in the first cavity.

In various embodiments, the proximal end of the insert has a metal tabportion having a cross-section dimension complementary to across-section dimension of the bore. The metal tab portion may engagethe bore along the corresponding complementary cross-section dimensionof the bore when received therein. The proximal end may be affixed tothe flange along the engaged interface of the metal tab portion and thebore by a weld. In one configuration, the bore defines a channelextending proximally from the first cavity toward the inner face of theflange. The channel may have at least one cross-section dimensionsmaller than a cross-section dimension of the first cavity. Thecomplementary cross-section dimension of the bore may be located alongthe channel.

In some embodiments, the bore may extend from the outer face to theinner face of the flange. The first cavity may be adjacent to the outerface and the bore may define a second cavity adjacent to the inner face.In one configuration, the proximal end of the insert comprises a metaltab portion that extends at least partially into the second cavity. Themetal tab portion may be affixed to a portion of the bore defining thesecond cavity by a weld.

In certain embodiments, the bore defines a channel extending between thefirst cavity and a second cavity. The channel may have at least onecross-section dimension smaller than a cross-section dimension of thefirst cavity. In one configuration, a length of the proximal end of theinsert is adapted to fill at least a portion of a length of the channelwhen the proximal end of the insert is secured within the first cavity.In this or another configuration, a length of the proximal end of theinsert and a length of the channel comprise complementary cross-sectionssuch that the length of the proximal end of the insert fills the lengthof the channel when the proximal end of the insert is secured with thefirst cavity. In any of the above or another configuration, the proximalend of the insert comprises a metal tab portion, a flared wedge portion,and a distal portion. The metal tab portion may have at least onecross-section dimension complementary to a cross-section dimension ofthe channel. The flared wedge portion may be distal of the metal tabportion and have a distally decreasing cross-section adapted tocomplement a distally decreasing cross-section of the first cavity alonga corresponding length of the bore when the proximal end of the insertis secured in the first cavity. The distal portion may be distal of theflared wedge portion. The distally decreasing cross-section along theflared wedge portion may have a cross-section dimension less than theflared wedge portion along the distally decreasing cross-section. Thedistal portion may be spaced apart from surrounding portions of the borethat define the first cavity when the proximal end is secured therein.

In one embodiment, when the proximal end of the insert is secured in thefirst cavity, a length of the proximal end within the first cavity isspaced apart from the surrounding portions of the flange that define thefirst cavity.

In various embodiments, a proximal length of the distal end of theinsert defines a cavity adapted to receive a distal length of theproximal end of the insert. The outer face of the flange may includemating structures adapted to mate with mating structures disposed alongthe proximal length of the distal end of the insert. The proximal end ofthe insert may be compressed between the flange and the distal end ofthe insert when the proximal end of the insert is secured in the firstcavity. The mating structures disposed along the proximal length of thedistal end of the insert may be proximal of the grip member. The matingstructures may include threads adapted for screwing the distal end ofthe insert to the distal face of the flange. The distal end of theinsert may further define a cavity along a distal portion thereof. Thehandle assembly may further include a cap closure having matingstructures adapted to mate with mating structures disposed along thedistal portion of the distal end of the insert to enclose the cavity.

In another aspect, a cookware vessel includes a vessel having a bottomand a surrounding sidewall that extends upward to form a rim and definean internal volume for receiving and retaining fluid between the bottomand the surrounding sidewall. A handle assembly may be attached to anexternal portion of the surrounding sidewall at the flange thereof. Thehandle assembly may include a metal flange, an insert, and a gripmember. The metal flange may have an inner face and an outer face. Theinner face may be adapted for contacting a curved outer wall of acookware article. A bore may extend from the outer face toward the innerface and define at least a first cavity therebetween. The insert mayhave a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be adapted tobe received within the first cavity of the bore and secured therein whenthe proximal end is affixed to the flange within the bore. The gripmember may extend between a proximal end and a distal end and comprise apolymeric material over molded at least a portion of the distal end ofthe insert. The grip member may have an external surface contour at aproximal end that is adapted to be flush with an adjacent portion of theflange when the proximal end of the insert is secured in the firstcavity.

In yet another aspect, a process for forming a cookware vessel mayinclude (a) providing a metal flange having a curved inner face and anouter face, the curved inner face adapted to contact a curved outer wallof a cookware vessel, wherein a bore extends from the outer face towardthe inner face; (b) providing an insert having a proximal end and adistal end, wherein the proximal end is adapted to be received in aportion of the bore that extends from the outer face toward the innerface of the flange, and wherein the distal end is adapted to extend awayfrom the outer face of the flange when the proximal end is inserted inthe bore at the outer face; (c) providing a grip portion comprising apolymeric material molded over the distal end of the insert and adaptedto form a flush interface at an external periphery of the outer face ofthe flange when the proximal end is inserted into the bore; (d)inserting the proximal end of the metal insert into the bore of theflange at the outer face to bring the grip portion in contact with theouter face of the flange; (e) securing the proximal end of the insert tothe flange within the bore; and (f) attaching the outer face of theflange to a curved outer wall of a cookware vessel to provide the gripmolded as a handle for the cookware vessel.

In various embodiments, securing the proximal end of the insert to theflange within the bore may include welding the proximal end of theinsert to the flange along an adjacent portion of the bore. In oneembodiment, the handle for the cookware vessel is one of an elongatedhandle or a U-shaped handle. In another embodiment, the metal flange hasfirst and second sides holes for receiving rivets that are disposed onopposing sides of the bore. Attaching the outer face of the flange to acurved outer wall of a cookware vessel to provide the grip molded as ahandle for the cookware vessel may include (a) inserting a rivet througheach of a first and a second hole in a sidewall of the vessel andcorresponding first and second side holes in the flange, wherein a tailof each rivet extends beyond the respective side holes, and (b)deforming the distal end of the tail portion of each rivet extendingbeyond the respective side holes to secure the rivets, wherein thedeformed distal ends of the tail portions extend beyond a periphery ofeach of the first and second side holes in the flange.

The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the followingdescription of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Novel features of the present invention are set forth with particularityin the appended claims. However, the various embodiments of the presentinvention described herein, both as to organization and manner ofoperation, may be best understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a handle for an article of cookware andFIG. 1B is an exterior elevation view thereof showing a portion of acooking vessel;

FIG. 2A is a cross-section elevated view of the handle taken alongsection line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2B is a cross-section thereoftaken along section line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are a plan cross-section view and a sidecross-section elevation view, respectively, of an embodiment of thehandle and cookware vessel;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are a plan cross-section view and a sidecross-section elevation view, respectively, of an embodiment of thehandle and cookware vessel;

FIG. 5A is an cross-section plan view of the components use to fabricateanother embodiment of a handle and cookware vessel, which is illustratedin FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C as a plan cross-section view and sidecross-section elevation view;

FIGS. 6A-6E are plan cross-section views the formation of a handle andmethod of attachment to the cookware article according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of another embodiment of the handle in whichFIG. B and FIG. 7C are different cross-section elevation views takenalong section lines 6B-6B (in FIG. 6C) and 6C-6C (FIG. 9A);

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the flange and grip component of theembodiment of FIG. 7A-7C prior to attachment and FIG. 8B is afterattachment; and

FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A and FIG.8A, wherein,

FIG. 9B is a cross-section elevation view taken along section line 9B-9Bin FIG. 7A, and FIG. 9C is a cross-section elevation view taken alongsection line 9C-9C in FIG. 9A.

DESCRIPTION

Current techniques of over molding grips onto an obscured portion of aflange to fabricate handles for cookware articles, only work well withsimple forged metal flanges having a simple shape and a generally flatgrip portion. These simple shape limitations imposed by currenttechniques often lack grip comfort and aesthetic potential that allowusers to distinguish cookware articles by ergonomic and stylisticdifferences. Moreover, the simple construction may contribute to aperception of low value for the entire cookware article. While a handlecan be co-cast or molded with the flange, it is difficult to over mold,especially after the metal flange is trimmed and polished from thecasting process. Molding after casting can also scratch the polishedsurface, and it is difficult to polish after molding, as polishingcompound can become embedded at the margin of the molded plastic. Themolded plastic can also be damaged. As cast and polished metal flangesfor fabricating handles for cookware articles could be made in manyshapes to create different utilitarian as well as aesthetic objectives,it would be beneficial to expand current technology to further thesegoals. According to various embodiments described herein, a compositecookware handle assembly for a cookware article may include a polishedmetal flange and a grip portion that extends to being flush with themargin of the flange, thereby giving the entire handle the appearance ofa 3-dimensional casting.

Various embodiments of the inventive composite cookware handle assembly,components, and methods thereof are described herein with reference toFIGS. 1A-9C, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components inthe various views.

FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate an elongate handle assembly 100 attached to acooking article 200. The handle 100 includes a flange 110 located alonga proximal end 100 a that is adapted for attachment to the cookingarticle 200 (FIG. 1B). The flange 110 may generally include an innerface 110 a adapted for contacting and mounting to an outer wall 210 ofthe cookware article 200. For example, the inner face 110 a may have oneor more complementary dimensions with respect to the wall 210, e.g., thedimensions may be adapted to approximate when interfaced, to allow flushmounting to the wall 210 along the complementary dimensions. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner face 110 a has a curved profiledimensioned for contacting a correspondingly curved outer wall 210 ofthe cookware article 200.

The handle 100 further includes a grip member 130 located along a distalend 100 b of the handle 100. The grip member 130 includes a proximal end130 a adjacent to the flange 110 and extends to a distal end 130 b. Anexternal surface contour 130 c dimensioned to be flush with an adjacentportion 110 c of the flange 110, such as an outer face 110 b thereof, isdefined by a proximal face 130 d of the grip member 130. As introducedabove, the flange 110 may include a polished metal flange 110. Forexample, the adjacent portion 110 c or other visible portions maycomprise polished metal.

With further reference to the cross-section views shown in FIGS. 2A &2B, the handle 100 may also include an insert 120 positioned between theflange 110 and the grip member 130. The insert 120 may be adapted to bereceived by the flange 110 and therein in affixed to secured the insert120 and hence the grip member 130 to the flange. The insert 120 includesinclude a proximal end 120 a adapted to be inserted in the flange 110and a distal end 120 b adapted to be receive the grip member 130 alongan exterior surface 120 c. For example, the proximal end 120 a mayinclude one or more cross-section dimensions adapted to be received bythe flange 110. The distal end 120 b may include one or morecross-section dimensions adapted to underlay the grip member 130. In theillustrated embodiment, for example, the proximal end 120 a has agenerally consistent height dimension (see FIG. 2A) and a generallyconsistent width dimension (see FIG. 2B). The distal end 120 b includesa tongue portion 121 having a reduced height dimension (see FIG. 2A) andan increased width dimension (see FIG. 2B). Other dimensions along thedistal end 120 b may also be used. For example, width dimensions alongthe distal end 120 b, such as a tongue portion 121 thereof, may begreater or less than width dimensions along the proximal end 120 a.Height dimensions along the distal end 120 b may also be greater or lessthan width dimensions along the proximal end 120 a. In one embodiment,the grip member 130 does not include a tongue portion 121 (see, e.g.,FIGS. 3A & 3B). In some embodiments, height dimensions along the distalend 120 b of the insert 120 may be similar to height dimensions alongthe proximal end 120 a. For example, height dimensions along theproximal and distal ends 120 a, 120 b may be defined by generally planarupper and lower sides of the insert 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A & 3B).

The flange 110 and insert 130 preferably comprise rigid materials,preferably metals, including alloys thereof. In some embodiments, theflange 110 or insert 130 may include metal portions, surfaces, orplating. As introduced above, the flange 110 may include a polishedmetal surface. The flange 110 or insert 130 may include solid metalconstruction or may be hollow. For example, the insert 120 may be solidor may include cavities, such as a pipe for a hollow handle, e.g., asshown in FIGS. 5A-5C. In various embodiments, the flange 110 may bepartially hollow to receive the insert 120 and may have other hollowportions to minimize the total thermal capacity and weight, as well asto improve heat dissipation. For example, the flange 110 may define abore 115 through which the insert 120 may be received. The bore 115 maytypically extend between the outer face 110 b and the inner face 110 aand include at least a first cavity 111.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A & 2B, the bore 115 extends from theouter face 110 b to the inner face 110 a of the flange 110. A portion ofthe flange 110 defining the bore 115 that extends inward from the innerface 110 a defines a second cavity 112. The first cavity 111 is adjacentto the outer face 110 b and the second cavity 112 is adjacent to theinner face 110 a. The bore 115 further includes a channel 113 connectingthe first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112. The channel 113 isnarrowed relative to cavities 111, 112 includes a cross-sectiondimension less than a corresponding cross-section dimension of thecavities 111, 112 it connects. The proximal end 120 a of the insert 120may include one or more cross-section dimensions adapted to extend intoor through the reduced cross-section dimensions of the channel 113. Whenthe insert 120 is received within the bore 115, the proximal end 120 aof the insert 120 may extend through channel 113 and into the secondcavity 112. Thus, a portion of the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120,such as a proximal face 120 d, may extend at least partially into thesecond cavity 112. However, in other embodiments, the proximal end 120 aof the insert 120 may not extend into the second cavity 112 or thechannel 113. In one example, the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120extends into the channel 113 but does not extend into the second cavity112.

The insert 120 may be shaped to have cross-section dimensions to bereceived in the flange 110 in a manner that minimizes contact area toreduce heat transfer to the grip 130. Similarly, the flange 110 maydefine a bore 115 having cross-section dimensions, e.g., shaped, toreceive the insert 120 in a manner that minimizes contact area betweenthe flange 110 and the insert 120. For example, the insert 120 may makecontact with only a portion of the flange 110 or bore 115 defined by theflange 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2B, the proximalend 120 a of the insert 120 includes a cross-section dimensioned to fillthe central channel 113.

In various embodiments, one or more cavities 111, 112 may havecross-section dimensions to adapted to provide space between the insert120 and sidewalls defining the bore 115 when the insert 120 is receivedwithin the bore 115. For example, one or more lengths of cavities 111,112 may include larger height or width dimensions than height or widthdimensions along a corresponding length of the insert 120 to provide oneor more continuous or discontinuous spaces (e.g., lateral, superior, orinferior pockets) between the insert 120 and the flange 110 within thebore 115. In the illustrated embodiment, for instance, the proximal end120 a of the insert 120 may make contact with only a narrow centralchannel 113 of the bore 115 separating the first cavity 111 from asecond cavity 112 of the bore 115. In some embodiments, once affixed tothe flange 110, the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 may contact theflange 110 only through an affixing member, such as a weld, rivet,screw, bayonet, or detent. In one embodiment, the proximal end 120 a ofthe insert 120 contacts the flange 110 directly along the channel 113and through an affixing member.

The grip member 130 may be over molded to cover at least a portion of anexternal surface 120 c of the insert 120 along the distal end 120 b. Thegrip member 130 may therefore comprise a molded material such as apolymeric material. The polymeric material may be molded from a resinmaterial and include a plastic, thermoset polymer, elastomer or otherpolymeric material. In various embodiments, the grip member 130comprises a high temperature stable phenolic resin. The grip member 130is preferably shaped (preferably molded) to include external surfacecontour 130 c along the proximal end 130 a, e.g., along a proximal face130 d, that is adapted to be flush with an adjacent portion 110 c of theflange 110 when the proximal end 110 a of the insert 110 is receivedthrough the first cavity 111 and secured within the bore 115.

The proximal end 120 a may be secured within the first cavity 111 byaffixing the insert 120 to the flange 110. The insert 120 may be affixedto the flange 110 by a weld between the proximal end 120 a and anadjacent portion of the flange 110 defining the bore 115, such asportions of the flange 110 defining the first cavity 111, second cavity112, or channel 113. The weld may be a metallic weld between metalsurfaces. Other manners of attachment may also be used. For example, theinsert 120 may be affixed to the flange 110 via a rivet, screw, bayonet,or pronged detent mount. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2B,the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 includes a tab portion 124having at least one cross-section dimension complementary to acorresponding cross-section dimension of the channel 113 to thereinapproximate or engage the channel 113 along the interface of thecorresponding cross-section dimensions. More specifically, the tabportion 124 has a cross-sectional shape complementary to thecross-sectional shape of the channel to fill the channel 113 wheninserted therein. The insert 120 may be affixed to the flange 110 viawelds along an interface of the bore 115 and the channel 113 to the tabportion 124 or other portion of the proximal end 120 a, such as to aperimeter of the tab portion 124 or proximal face 120 d. The weldmaterial may remain in the second cavity 112, and not extend beyond theproximal face 110 a. However, to the extent welding residue may extendfurther, the welding material may be readily abraded or ground away,requiring no further finishing, as the second cavity 112 may abut theouter wall 210 of the cookware article 200 and be obscured when thehandle 100 is attached thereto.

The proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2Balso includes one or more optional notches 125. In some embodiments,notches 125 may be adapted to securely engage a rod, such as a biased orspring loaded latch, (not shown) within the bore 115. In some suchembodiments, the insert 120 may be inserted into the bore 115 andtherein counter bias the rod. The insert 120 may then be furtherinserted, rotated, or otherwise manipulated to bias the rod into thenotch 125. Once positioned in the notch 125, the may rod may preventmovement of the insert 120 from the first cavity 111. In other examples,a rod may be inserted through a side of the flange 110 into the bore 115and into the notch 125. In some examples, the rod may extend completelythough the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120, the bore 115, or theflange 110.

FIGS. 3A & 3B illustrate another embodiment of the handle 100 includinga flange 110, insert 120, and grip member 130. The grip member 130extends around at least a portion of the distal end 120 b of the insert120 and includes an external surface contour 130 c along the proximalend 130 a, e.g., proximal face 130 d, that is adapted to be flush withan adjacent portion 110 c of the flange 110 when the proximal end 110 aof the insert 110 is received within the bore 115 and secured within thefirst cavity 111. In this embodiment, the insert 120 includescross-section dimensions complementary to cross-section dimensions ofcorresponding portions of the bore 115. In particular, the insert 120has a wedge shaped proximal end 120 a having proximally decreasing widthdimensions (see FIG. 3A) and generally consistent height dimensions (seeFIG. 3B) along its length. The distal end 120 b of the insert 120 mayinclude generally consistent width and height dimensions along itslength. The width dimensions along the distal end 120 b may be less thanthe width dimensions along the proximal end 120 a. The height dimensionsalong the distal end 120 b may be similar to the height dimensions alongthe proximal end 120 a. The height dimensions along the proximal anddistal ends 120 a, 120 b may be defined by generally planar upper andlower sides of the insert 120.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2B, the bore 115extends between the inner face 110 a and the outer face 110 b of theflange 110 and includes at least one cavity 111. When received withinthe bore 115, proximal translation of the insert 120 through the bore115 may be limited by one or more cross-section dimensions of theproximal end 120 a of the insert 120 relative to the bore 115. Forexample, the bore 115 may include complementary height and widthdimensions with respect to the wedge shaped proximal end 120 a of theinsert 120 such that the proximal end 120 a fills the bore 115 whenreceived therein. The insert 120 may be affixed to the flange 110 by aweld between the proximal end 120 a, e.g., along a perimeter of proximalface 120 d, and an adjacent portion of the flange 110 defining the bore115. The portion of the proximal end 120 a welded to the flange mayinclude a tab portion 124 having one or more complementary cross-sectiondimensions to engage the flange 110 at one or more of upper, lower, orlateral sides of the bore 115. Other manners of attachment may also beused. For example, the insert 120 may be affixed to the flange 110 via arivet, screw, bayonet, or pronged detent mount.

FIGS. 4A & 4B illustrates another embodiment of the handle 100 includinga flange 110, insert 120, and grip member 130. The grip member 130extends around at least a portion of the distal end 120 b of the insert120 and includes an external surface contour 130 c along the proximalend 130 a, e.g., proximal face 130 d, that is adapted to be flush withan adjacent portion 110 c of the flange 110 when the proximal end 110 aof the insert 110 is in the bore 115 and secured within the first cavity111. In this embodiment, the bore 115 extends between the inner face 110a and the outer face 110 b of the flange 110 and includes at least onecavity 111. The cavity 111 has a proximally increasing width (FIG. 4A)and height (FIG. 4B). The bore 115 also includes a narrowed channel 113that extends between the cavity 111 and the inner face 110 a of theflange 110. Similar to the embodiments described above with respect toFIGS. 2A-3B, the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 includescross-section dimensions including a generally consistent heightdimension (see FIG. 4B) along its length, which in this embodiment mayalso be generally consistent along the entire length of the insert 120.The proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 has a distal portion 122 havinga generally consistent width dimension. The proximal end 120 a also hasa flared wedge portion 123, proximal to the distal portion 122, having agreater width dimension than the distal portion 122 (see FIG. 4A). Widthdimensions of the flared wedge portion 123 also proximally increasealong its length (see FIG. 4A). The width dimensions of the flared wedgeportion 123 may be generally complementary to the width dimensions alonga corresponding length of the bore 115. Thus, FIGS. 4A & 4B illustratean embodiment of the handle 100 wherein the bore 115 and insert 120include complementary proximal dimensions. The proximal end 120 a of theinsert 120 also includes a tab portion 124, proximal to both the distalportion 122 and flared wedge portion 123, having a reduced widthdimension relative to the flared wedge portion 123. The tab portion 124may have a greater width dimension than the distal portion of theproximal end 120 a of the insert 120. In other embodiments, the tabportion 124 may have similar or smaller width dimensions than the distalportion 122.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 4A, when the insert 120 is received withinthe bore 115 of the flange 110, the lateral sides of the flared wedgeportion 123 may wedge the insert 120 within the bore 111, obstructingdistal translation and removal of the insert 120 from the bore 115. Invarious embodiments, the lateral sides of the flared wedge portion 123may contact the flange 110 within the bore 115 or may be slightly spacedapart from the sides of the bore 115 such that distal translation of theinsert 120 causes the lateral sides of the insert 120 along the flaredwedge portion 123 to contact the flange 110 along the lateral sides ofthe bore 115. In some embodiments, the insert 120 may be removeddistally from the bore 115 by rotating the insert 120 a sufficientdegree to clear the lateral sides of the flared wedge portion 123 fromthe decreasing width of the bore 115. For example, the bore 115 may havecross-section dimension greater than the largest width of the flaredwedge portion 123. Similar to the embodiment described above withrespect to FIGS. 3A & 3B, proximal translation of the insert 120 throughthe bore 115 may be limited by one or more cross-section dimensions ofthe proximal end 120 a relative to the bore 115. In the illustratedembodiment, a width dimension of the flared wedge portion 123 is greaterthan a width dimension of the channel 113, thereby obstructing receptionof the flared wedge portion 123 into the channel 113 and, hence, furtherproximal translation of the insert 120 through the bore 115.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A & 4B, channel 113 is dimensioned toreceive tab portion 124. One or more cross-section dimensions of thechannel 113 may also be complementary to corresponding dimensions of thetab portion 124 to thereby block movement of the tab portion 124 in oneor more directions when received within the channel 113. In theillustrated embodiment, for example, the channel 113 and tab portion 124have complementary height dimensions that prevent vertical movement ofthe tab portion 124 when received within the channel 113. The channel113 and tab portion 124 may also include complementary width dimensionsthat prevent lateral movement of the tab portion 124 when receivedwithin the channel 113. For example, the tab portion 124 may bedimensioned to fill a length of the channel 113. However, as lateralmovement of the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 within the bore 115is obstructed by the complementary width dimensions along thecorresponding portions of the cavity 111 and the flared wedge portion123, in some embodiments, the channel 113 and tab portion 124 do notinclude complementary width dimensions. If insert 120 is to be affixedto the flange 110 by a weld between the tab portion 124, e.g., along theproximal face 120 d or perimeter thereof, and an adjacent portion of theflange 110 defining the bore 115, e.g., along the channel 113, it may bedesirable that width dimensions along the proximal face 120 d complementor approximate the width dimensions of the corresponding portion of thechannel 113 to increase available weld points. In one such example,space between the lateral sides of the tab portion 124 and flange 110may be provided within the channel 113, distal to the proximal face 120d. As described above, other manners of attachment may also be used. Forexample, the insert 120 may be affixed to the flange 110 via a rivet,screw, bayonet, or pronged detent mount thereby securing the proximalend 120 a within the first cavity 111. In one embodiment, an attachmentmember is not used and the insert 120 is obstructed from vertical,lateral, proximal, and distal movement due to the dimensional fitment ofthe proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 and the bore 115, as describedabove.

Similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 2A & 2B,space within the bore 115, in particular, cavity 111 of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4A & 4B, is provided between the insert 120 and theflange 110 when the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 is receivedwithin the bore 115 and secured within the first cavity 111. Inparticular, the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 is spaced apartfrom the flange 110 the within the cavity 111 along the lateral,superior, and inferior sides of the distal portion 122 and the superiorand inferior sides of the flared wedge portion 123. The space around thedistal portion 123 may be continuous. Accordingly, the distal portion122 and two or more sides of the flared wedge portion 123 may notcontact the flange 110 or bore 115, reducing thermal conduction of heattherebetween.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrates another embodiment of the handle 100 wherein thehandle includes a two piece insert 120 comprising a proximal end 120 a(which may also be referred to as a first insert piece) and distal end120 b (which may also be referred to as a second insert piece). Theproximal end 120 a of the insert 120 is dimensioned to be receivedwithin a cavity 126 extending within the distal end 120 b. The gripmember 130 extends around the distal end 120 b and includes an externalsurface contour 130 d along the proximal end 130 a, e.g., proximal face130 d, that is adapted to be flush with an adjacent portion 110 c of theflange 110 when the proximal end 110 a of the insert 110 is received inthe bore 115 and secured within the first cavity 111. Similar to theembodiments described above, the flange 110 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5Cdefines a bore 115 that extends from the outer face 110 b toward theinner face 110 a and includes at least a first cavity 111. The bore 115also includes a narrowed channel 113 dimensioned to receive tab portion124 of the insert 120 in a manner and with accompanying structuresimilar to that described with respect to FIGS. 4A & 4B. For example,the relative cross-section dimensions, e.g., height or width dimensions,of the tab portion 124 and channel 113 may be configured such that thetab portion 124 engages or approximates one or more cross-sectiondimensions of the channel 113 along an interface. As a result, movementof the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 within the channel 113 maybe obstructed in one or more of proximal, lateral, or verticaldirections when the tab portion 124 is located within the channel 113.In one example, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the tabportion 124 are complementary to a corresponding the cross-section ofthe channel 113 such that the tab portion 124 may fill the channel 113.In one embodiment, the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 may beaffixed to the flange 110 via welding at an interface along the proximalface 120 b and channel 113, e.g., interface of tab portion 124 andchannel 113. Other attachment members may also be used, such as thosedescribed elsewhere herein.

The illustrated handle 100 is configured to compress the proximal end120 a of the insert 120 toward the channel 113 to thereby affix theinsert 120 and retain the tab portion 124 along the proximal end 120 awithin the channel 113. In one embodiment, channel 113 extends to anopening along the inner face 110 a and the tab portion 124 is obstructedfrom proximal movement by the outer wall 210 of the cookware article200. In another embodiment, the bore 115 may not extend to or include anopening at the inner face 110 a of the flange 110 and the tab portion124, and hence the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120, may beobstructed from proximal movement by a base of the bore 115. In stillanother embodiment, the channel 113 may include a proximal length havinga dimension less than a corresponding dimension of the tab portion 124that prevents proximal movement of the tab portion 124 beyond theproximal length. Similarly, the tab portion 124 may include a distallyincreasing dimension configured to wedge within the channel 113,preventing further proximal movement. In still yet another embodiment,the proximal end 120 a may include a portion, distal to the tab portion124, having a larger dimension than a corresponding dimension of thechannel 113, such as the flared wedge portion 123 described above withrespect to FIGS. 4A & 4B, that prevents the portion from entering thechannel 113 and hence further proximal movement of the proximal end 120a of the insert 120.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the distal end 120 b of theinsert 110 may be adapted to engage and couple the flange 110 andthereby at least partially affix the insert 120 to the flange 110. Forexample, the distal end 120 b of the insert 110 may include proximalmating structures 129 a configured to mate with mating structures 129 bdisposed along the flange 110. Examples mating structures may includerails, grooves, compression fitments, snap fitments, slots, notches, orother suitable structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the matingstructures 129 a, 129 b include threads disposed along a proximalportion 128 of the distal end 120 b of the insert 120 and the outer face110 b of the flange 110, where the proximal portion 128 of the distalend 120 b of the insert 120 comprises the male connector and the outerface 110 b of the flange 110 comprises the female connecter. In anotherembodiment, the proximal portion 128 of the distal end 120 b of theinsert 120 may comprise the female connector and the outer face 110 b ofthe flange 110 may comprise the male connecter.

The extent the proximal end 120 a may be received within the hollowportion of the distal end 120 b may be limited by a dimension along theproximal end 120 a that is greater than the corresponding dimension ofhollow portion. For example, a rod or other type of stop may extend intothe hollow portion and abut the proximal end 120 a, preventingadditional distal translation of the proximal end 120 a within thecavity 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 120 aincludes a distal portion 122 having at least one distally increasingdimension configured to wedge within the cavity 126 of the hollowportion at a predetermined location corresponding to the engagement ofthe flange 110 and grip 130 and the limitation of proximal movement ofthe proximal end 120 a through the bore 115. It will be appreciated thatthe proximal end 120 a may also include a hollow portion.

The handle 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C also includes an optionalscrew cap type closure 140, which can optionally house and sealelectronic components, either in the removal cap or closure 140 or thecavity 126 that it accesses. As shown, the distal end 120 b includesdistal mating structures 129 c configured to mate with mating structures129 b disposed along the closure 140. Example mating structures mayinclude rails, grooves, compression fitment, snap fitment, slots,notches, or other suitable structures. In the illustrated embodiment,the mating structures 129 c, 129 d include threads, where the distalmating structures 129 c disposed along the distal end 120 b of theinsert 120 comprises the male connector and the mating structures 129 ddisposed along the closure 120 comprise the female connecter. In anotherembodiment, the distal mating structures 129 c may comprise the femaleconnector and the mating structures 129 d of the closure 140 maycomprise the male connecter.

In various embodiments, the insert 120 may include mating structuresdisposed along a another portion of the insert 120, e.g., a medialportion, and the proximal end 120 a may be received within the bore 115of the flange 110 and therein be proximally compressed, as describedherein, when the mating structures are mated with corresponding matingstructures disposed on the flange 110. The handle 100 described withrespect to FIGS. 5A-5C illustrates one such example. In a modifiedembodiment, the proximal and distal ends 120 a, 120 b of the insert 120described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C may comprise a single structuralunit. In such an example, one or both of the proximal end 120 a ordistal end 120 b may or may not include a hollow portion. In anotherembodiment, the handle 100 may be similar to the embodiment describedwith respect to FIGS. 5A-5C but without the proximal end 120 a of theinsert.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate an embodiment of the handle 100 and assembly andattachment of the handle 100 to a cookware vessel 200 according tovarious embodiments. FIG. 6A illustrates the flange 110 and insert 120of the handle 100 prior to the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120being received within the bore 115 of the flange 110 (FIG. 6C) and thedistal end 120 b of the insert 120 being over molded with the gripmember 130 (FIG. 6B). FIGS. 6B-6E illustrate the components of assemblyin FIG. 6A being transformed to provide handle 100 attached to cookwarevessel 200.

The handle 100 assembled in FIGS. 6A-6E may be similar to the handle 100described above with respect to FIGS. 3A & 3B. In one embodiment, amethod of assembling the handle 100 for the cookware vessel 200 mayinclude providing the flange 110 (FIG. 6A), wherein the flange 110defines a first curved inner face 110 a adapted for contacting a curvedouter wall 210 of the cookware vessel 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 6E) and anouter face 110 b that opposes the inner face 110 a. The bore 115 mayextend from the outer face 110 b to the inner face 110 a. The method mayfurther include providing the elongated insert 120 (FIG. 6A) having aproximal end 120 a adapted to be received in the portion of the bore 115of the metal flange 110 that extends from the outer face 110 b towardthe inner face 110 a, and a distal end 120 b attached to or otherwiseextending distally from the proximal end 120 a that is adapted to extendaway from the distal end 110 b of the flange 110 when the proximal end120 a is inserted in the bore 115 of the metal flange 110 at the outerface 110 b.

As shown in FIG. 6B, a polymeric grip member 130 may be molded over thedistal end 120 b of the insert 120 and include an external surfacecontour 130 c along a proximal face 130 d that is adapted to form aflush interface at the external periphery of the outer face 110 b of theflange 110 when the proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 is insertedinto the bore 115. As is also shown in FIG. 6B, the flange 110 mayinclude first and second sides holes 117, 117′ for receiving affixingmembers, such as rivets 217 (see, e.g., FIG. 6D). The side holes 117,117′ may be disposed on opposing sides of the bore 115. In variousembodiments, side holes 117, 117′ may be drilled, punched, molded, orotherwise formed through the flange 110.

The proximal end 120 a of the insert 120 may be inserted into the bore115 of the flange 110 at the outer face 110 b, as shown in FIG. 6C, tobring the grip member 130 into contact with the outer face 110 b of theflange 110. When received within the bore 115, the insert 120 may beaffixed to the flange 110 to secure the proximal end 120 a within thecavity 111, as shown in FIG. 6D. For example, the proximal end 120 a ofthe insert 120 may be welded to an interior portion of the flange 110disposed between the proximal and distal faces 110 a, 110 b of theflange 110. As shown, the proximal face 120 d along tab portion 124 orperimeter thereof comprising metal surfaces are welded to interfacing oradjacent metal surfaces along the narrowed proximal length of the bore115. The insert 120 may also be affixed to the flange 110, e.g., withinbore 115, as described elsewhere herein.

FIG. 6D along with FIG. 6E illustrate steps of attachment of the handle100 to the cookware vessel 200. In particular, the inner face 110 a ofthe flange 110 may be secured to a curved outer wall 210 of the cookwarevessel 200 to provide the grip member 130 molded as a handle for thecookware vessel 200. More specifically, a rivet 217, 217′ may beinserted through a hole 207, 207′ in a sidewall 210 of the vessel 200that is opposite each of the first and second side holes 117, wherein atail portion 217 a, 217 a′ of the rivet 217, 217′ extends beyond eachside hole 117. In some embodiments, a distal end of the tail portion 217a, 217 a′ of each rivet 217, 217′ may be deformed to extend beyond aperiphery of each of the first and second side hole 117, 117′ in theflange 110.

As introduced above, the handle 100 may be configured to provide variousshaped grip members 130. For example, in various configurations, gripmembers 130 may be generally straight or linear, curved, U-shaped,bulbous or L shaped for a long handle, helper handle, lid handle, orshort side handle. In these and other embodiments, the insert 120 mayextend the entire length of the grip member 130 or only a portion of thegrip member 130. In some embodiments, the insert 120 may be shorter thanthe grip member 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A-4B). In certain embodiments,the grip member 130 may extend more distally from the flange 110 thanthe insert 120 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A-4B). In other embodiments, theinsert 120 may extend more distally from the flange 110 than the gripmember 130 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C).

FIGS. 7A-9C illustrate various views of a handle 100 having a U-shapedgrip member 130 according to various embodiments. With particularreference to the views in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8B, the U-shaped grip member130 may include two proximal ends 130 a, 130 a′ adapted to dispose alongouter faces 110 b, 110 b of the flange 110. With further reference tothe exploded view in FIG. 8A, the proximal ends 130 a, 130 a′ of thegrip member 130 include external surface contours 130 c, 130 c′ adaptedto be flush with adjacent portions 110 c, 110 c′ of the flange 110 whenthe proximal ends 120 a, 120 a′ of the insert 120, 120′ are receivedinto respective bores 115, 115′ and affixed thereto.

The proximal ends 120 a, 120 a′ of the insert 120 and respective bores115, 115′ defined by the flange 110 illustrated in FIGS. 7A-9C may bestructured similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 2A &2B. For example, with continued reference to FIGS. 8A & 8B and withfurther reference to the cross-section views shown in FIGS. 7B & 7C,each bore 115, 115′ may extend between the outer face 110 b, 110 b′ andthe inner face 110 a of the flange 110 and include at least a firstcavity 111, 111′. A portion of the flange 110 defining each bore 115,115′ that extends inward from the respective inner face 110 a, 110 a′may define a second cavity 112, 112′. Each bore 115, 115′ may furtherinclude a narrowed channel 113, 113′ connecting the respective firstcavity 111, 111′ and second cavity 112, 112′. Each channel 113, 113′ mayinclude a cross-section dimension less than a correspondingcross-section dimension of the respective cavities 111, 111′, 112, 112′it connects. The proximal ends 120 a, 120 a′ of the insert 120 may alsobe dimensioned to extend into or through the reduced dimensions of therespective channel 113, 113′. The proximal ends 120 a, 120 a′ of theinsert 120 may be welded or otherwise secured with attachment members tothe flange 110, as described herein.

Although not employed in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal ends120 a, 120 a′ of the insert 120 each include one or more optionalnotches 125, 125′. As introduced above, notches 125, 125′ may be adaptedto engage a rod, such as a biased or spring loaded latch, (not shown)within the bore 115, 115′. In some such embodiments, the insert 120 maybe inserted into the bore 115, 115′ and therein counter bias the rod.The insert 120 may then be inserted further into the bore 115, 115′ tobias the rod into the notch 125, 125′. Once positioned in the notch 125,125′, the rod prevents movement of the insert 120 from the first cavity111, 111′. A rod may also be inserted through one or more sides of theflange 110 into the bore 115, 115′ and into the notch 125, 125′. In someexamples, the rod may extend completely though the proximal end 120 a,120 a′ of the insert 120, the bore 115, 115′, or the flange 110.

In other embodiments, U-shaped handles 100 may be configured withinserts 120 and flanges 110 as described elsewhere herein, such as withrespect to FIGS. 3A-6E.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A and the cross-section views provided in FIGS.9B & 9C, the insert 120 may extend the entire length of the grip member130 and into the corresponding bores 115, 115′ of the flange 110 toprovide secure attachment of the grip member 130 at the flange 110. Theflange 110 may be suitably secured to a wall of a cookware article,e.g., using rivets through holes 117, 117′ and corresponding holes in anouter wall of the article, e.g., as described with respect to FIGS.6A-6E, to provide a handle 100 for the article wherein the flange 110and grip member 130 engage to provide a flush interface.

The disclosed handle, including handle assemblies thereof, describedherein may provide improved handles and cookware articles comprisingsuch handles. For example, embodiments of the handle may enable the useof cast metal flanges with molded resin grips. Metal finishing may alsobe completed before attachment of the molded handle to reduce labor anddefects that may otherwise occur if the finishing of the exposed metalwas completed after over molding of resin grips. The herein describedhandle may also provide aesthetic improvement of a finished metalcomponent being flush with the molded handle at their mutual externaledge. The handle may optionally be configured with a lighter weightassembly compared to solid metal handles of similar shape and mayfurther reduce potential for vessel tipping as the mass of the handlemay be located closer to the vessel center of gravity. In contrast toforged over molded metal handles, which contact the entire vesselsidewall and are exposed to combustion gas exiting the pan, theinventive handle assembly can be maintained at a lower temperature asless heat is transferred to the grip portion as the area of contact withthe flange can be minimized to the weld area, or other attachment area.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.For example, as introduced above, the insert may be secured within thebore, e.g., within the first cavity, and may be welded or otherwiseaffixed to the flange along the bore. In one such embodiment, the insertmay be affixed to the flange at a non-visible portion before attachmentor molding of the grip member to the insert.

It will be appreciated that while various features have been describedwith terms such as lateral, superior, inferior, width, height, and thelike, such terms are words of convenience and are not to be construed aslimiting terms unless indicated otherwise. Such terminology used hereinis not meant to be limiting insofar as the handles described herein, orportions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations. Forexample, in some embodiments, features may be rotated such that heightbecomes width and lateral becomes superior and inferior.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for forming a cookware vessel, theprocess comprising: inserting a proximal end of a first insert pieceinto a bore of a metal flange at an outer face of the flange, whereinthe bore extends from the outer face toward a curved inner face adaptedto contact a curved outer wall of a cookware vessel, wherein the firstinsert piece has a distal end adapted to extend away from the outer faceof the flange when the proximal end of the first insert piece isinserted in the bore at the outer face; inserting the distal end of thefirst insert piece into a cavity defined within a proximal end of asecond insert piece, wherein a grip portion extends over at least aportion of the second insert piece to provide a handle along the secondinsert piece, wherein the flange includes a mating structure adapted tomate with a corresponding mating structure disposed along the proximalend of the second insert piece; mating the mating structures of theflange and the second insert piece, and wherein mating the matingstructures compresses the first insert piece between the flange andsecond insert piece within the bore of the flange and the cavity of thesecond insert piece; and attaching the inner face of the flange to acurved outer wall of a cookware vessel to provide a handle for thecookware vessel.
 2. The process for forming a cookware vessel accordingto claim 1, further comprising welding the proximal end of the firstinsert piece to the flange along an adjacent portion of the bore.
 3. Theprocess for forming a cookware vessel according to claim 1, wherein themating structures of the flange and second insert piece comprisemateable threads.
 4. The process for forming a cookware vessel accordingto claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a cap closure having amating structure adapted to mate with a mating structure disposed alongthe distal portion of the distal end of the second insert piece toenclose the cavity.
 5. The process for forming a cookware vesselaccording to claim 1, wherein inserting the proximal end of the insertinto the bore of the flange at the outer face includes bringing anexternal surface contour at the proximal end of the grip portion intocontact with the outer face of the flange to form a flush interface. 6.The process for forming a cookware vessel according to claim 5, whereinthe grip portion comprises a polymeric material molded over the secondinsert piece.
 7. The process for forming a cookware vessel according toclaim 1, wherein the proximal end of the first insert piece comprises atab and the bore of the flange includes a channel, and wherein thechannel includes a cross-section dimension less than a correspondingcross-section dimension of the tab that obstructs proximal movement ofthe first insert piece when the channel and tab interface along therespective cross-section dimensions.
 8. The process for forming acookware vessel according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of thefirst insert piece comprises a tab and the bore of the flange includes achannel, wherein a cross-section of the tab increases distally to across-section dimension larger than a corresponding cross-sectiondimension of the channel to wedge the tab within the channel and preventfurther insertion of the first insert piece when the proximal end of thefirst insert piece is compressed between the flange and the secondinsert piece, and wherein the extent of distal insertion of the distalend of the first insert piece within the cavity of the second insertpiece is limited by a proximally increasing cross-section along thedistal end of the first insert piece that increases to a largerdimension than a corresponding cross-section dimension of the cavity towedge the distal end of the first insert piece within the cavity andprevent insertion of the first insert piece beyond the correspondingcross-section dimension of the cavity.
 9. A process for forming acookware handle, the process comprising: inserting a proximal end of afirst insert piece into a bore of a metal flange at an outer face of theflange, wherein the bore extends from the outer face toward a curvedinner face adapted to contact a curved outer wall of a cookware vessel,wherein the first insert piece has a distal end adapted to extend awayfrom the outer face of the flange when the proximal end of the firstinsert piece is inserted in the bore at the outer face; inserting thedistal end of the first insert piece into a cavity defined within aproximal end of a second insert piece, wherein a grip portion extendsover at least a portion of the second insert piece to provide a handlealong the second insert piece, wherein the flange includes a matingstructure adapted to mate with a corresponding mating structure disposedalong the proximal end of the second insert piece; and mating the matingstructures of the flange and the second insert piece, and wherein matingthe mating structures compresses the first insert piece between theflange and second insert piece within the bore of the flange and thecavity of the second insert piece.
 10. The process for forming acookware handle according to claim 9, wherein the proximal end of thefirst insert piece has a metal tab portion having a cross-sectiondimension complementary to a cross-section dimension of the bore,wherein the metal tab portion engages the bore along the correspondingcomplementary cross-section dimension of the bore when inserted therein,and wherein the proximal end of the first insert piece is secured to theflange along the engaged interface of the metal tab portion and the boreby a weld.
 11. The process for forming a cookware handle according toclaim 9, further comprising a cap closure having a mating structureadapted to mate with a corresponding mating structure disposed along thedistal end of the second insert piece, and wherein mating the matingstructures of the cap closure and the distal end of the second insertpiece encloses the cavity of the second insert piece when the firstinsert piece is inserted in the cavity.
 12. The process for forming acookware handle according to claim 9, wherein the mating structuredisposed along the proximal end of the second insert piece is proximalof the grip portion.
 13. The process for forming a cookware handleaccording to claim 9, wherein the mating structures of the flange andsecond insert piece comprise mateable threads.
 14. The process forforming a cookware vessel according to claim 9, wherein inserting theproximal end of the insert into the bore of the flange at the outer faceincludes bringing an external surface contour at the proximal end of thegrip portion into contact with the outer face of the flange to form aflush interface.
 15. The process for forming a cookware vessel accordingto claim 14, wherein the grip portion comprises a polymeric materialmolded over the second insert piece.
 16. The process for forming acookware vessel according to claim 9, wherein the proximal end of thefirst insert piece comprises a tab and the bore of the flange includes achannel, and wherein the channel includes a cross-section dimension lessthan a corresponding cross-section dimension of the tab that obstructsproximal movement of the first insert piece when the channel and tabinterface along the respective cross-section dimensions.
 17. The processfor forming a cookware vessel according to claim 9, wherein the proximalend of the first insert piece comprises a tab and the bore of the flangeincludes a channel, wherein a cross-section of the tab increasesdistally to a cross-section dimension larger than a correspondingcross-section dimension of the channel to wedge the tab within thechannel and prevent further insertion of the first insert piece when theproximal end of the first insert piece is compressed between the flangeand the second insert piece.
 18. The process for forming a cookwarevessel according to claim 17, wherein the extent of distal insertion ofthe distal end of the first insert piece within the cavity of the secondinsert piece is limited by a proximally increasing cross-section alongthe distal end of the first insert piece that increases to a largerdimension than a corresponding cross-section dimension of the cavity towedge the distal end of the first insert piece within the cavity andprevent insertion of the first insert piece beyond the correspondingcross-section dimension of the cavity.
 19. The process for forming acookware vessel according to claim 9, wherein the extent of distalinsertion of the distal end of the first insert piece within the cavityof the second insert piece is limited by a proximally increasingcross-section along the distal end of the first insert piece thatincreases to a larger dimension than a corresponding cross-sectiondimension of the cavity to wedge the distal end of the first insertpiece within the cavity and prevent insertion of the first insert piecebeyond the corresponding cross-section dimension of the cavity.